The Anatomical Regions of the Body

The anatomical regions (shown) compartmentalize the human body. Just like on a map, a region refers to a certain area. The body is divided into two major portions: axial and appendicular.

The axial body runs right down the center (axis) and consists of everything except the limbs, meaning the head, neck, thorax (chest and back), abdomen, and pelvis. The appendicular body consists of appendages, otherwise known as upper and lower extremities (which you call arms and legs).

Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA

The body’s regions: Anterior view (a), Posterior view (b).

Here’s a list of the axial body’s main regions:

Head and neck

Cephalic (head)

Cervical (neck)

Cranial (skull)

Frontal (forehead)

Nasal (nose)

Occipital (base of skull)

Oral (mouth)

Orbital/ocular (eyes)

Thorax

Axillary (armpit)

Costal (ribs)

Deltoid (shoulder)

Mammary (breast)

Pectoral (chest)

Scapular (shoulder blade)

Sternal (breastbone)

Vertebral (backbone)

Abdomen

Abdominal (abdomen)

Gluteal (buttocks)

Inguinal (bend of hip)

Lumbar (lower back)

Pelvic (area between hipbones)

Perineal (area between anus and external genitalia)

Pubic (genitals)

Sacral (end of vertebral column)

Here’s a list of the appendicular body’s main regions:

Upper extremity

Antebrachial (forearm)

Antecubital (inner elbow)

Brachial (upper arm)

Carpal (wrist)

Cubital (elbow)

Digital (fingers/toes)

Manual (hand)

Palmar (palm)

Lower extremity

Crural (shin, front of lower leg)

Femoral (thigh)

Patellar (front of knee)

Pedal (foot)

Plantar (arch of foot)

Popliteal (back of knee)

Sural (calf, back of lower leg)

Tarsal (ankle)

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